Alex's soccer career is underway. After getting rained out in week 1, the season finally started yesterday with an 8-1 victory for Alex's team, the Spikes (choosing the name proved to be the most difficult, and least impressive, aspect of day 1). After some introductions, words of encouragement from Coach Eric, light stretching, and a little practice, it was on to the three-on-three game action. [side note: 3-on-3 is a much better way to handle 5-year old soccer than the way they did it 30 years ago where 20 kids ran around in a cluster with no chance of actually displaying any soccer skill]. Within 30 seconds of the kickoff Alex had his first goal as he deftly dribbled past the other team and planted the ball in the net. A minute or so later, he had goal number 2, at which point he got subbed out so some other kids would have a chance. The Spikes built a 7-1 lead heading into the final minute, when the play of the game happened. See the video below for an incredible defensive play followed by a length of the field sprint towards the goal that culminated in a hat trick for Alex in his very first game.
Alex already knew a few kids at the soccer field, including one on his team who's one of our new neighbors, so we're expecting this soccer thing to be a lot of fun this season. The real test will be to see if Alex can still have fun when his team loses - something he has struggled mightily with so far in his young life (I think he gets that quality from his Uncle Dan - or maybe his Dad).
